But I’m only going to give them to those that subscribe to my email list.

After you’ve confirmed your subscription, the next email you’d automatically get would give you the link to your first three (3) books. When you’re done with the first three, order the next and your journey into my world of fiction and non-fiction will never end.

Guess what? You’d be the first set of people to ever know what happened between Bolade and Salewa in The Veil. And you’d get to read my new books before others.

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For all who have been long awaiting the reprint of my fiction books, I would soon have good news for you, Books like La Conferencia, Choices, Sheepish-Wolves, In The Bid To Love, The Veil are about to return to bookstores.
And for the first time, I would be releasing my non-fiction books too, top on the list is The Love Series.
Release date: Saturday, May 14th 2016. Save up your money oh!!!
Much love!
Timi Adigun.

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Looking for an African Christian romance experience? See it through the struggles, discoveries and victories of these teenagers. This is a much sought-for book in Nigeria. You’d understand after reading.

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Thanks a lot for your opinions. It is obvious we prefer the alternating/simultaneous one, so you would please bear with me as I would need to take a few days off to put the story together. I have a skeleton for the body of Bolade’s story but I don’t have much for Salewa yet.

It is rare to have readers follow a writer through his writing of a book. I appreciate you all. Thanks a lot.

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Thanks again for following my ongoing book, The Veil. I need your help, that’s if you have been following the story.

The Veil is in four (4) parts. You’ve read part 1. Now, part 2 and 3 are interesting. How? Part 2 (Discovered) shows the life of Bolade after Salewa left until when he was 26 (the very first chapter). Part 3 (Uncovered) shows Salewa’s life away from Bolade. Meaning, throughout “Discovered”, you won’t hear from Salewa, and throughout “Uncovered”, you won’t hear from Bolade.

Should I continue with Discovered or you want me to alternate Discovered and Uncovered so you know what is happening in both lives at the same time.

Please make your desire known as a comment and I’d take it up from there. Thanks.

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Bolade looked around, and was relieved to know that eyes weren’t on them. He looked at her. “Why are you telling me?”

“Because I don’t want another girl stealing you from me again. I barely survived seeing how Salewa took all your attention almost immediately she got to this school and I have been here with you all these years and you never even gave me a second look.”

Bolade was speechless. And so was Funke. Silence hung between them like a heavy cloud. It was just too awkward. Bolade looked up and his eyes met Funke’s and they averted their eyes at the same time, but not before Bolade saw Funke’s grin. He grinned too.

“Can we talk after school?” Bolade said the first thing that came out of his mouth.

“I would love that”, Funke said, smiling. She stood up and patted him on the back. “Break over. See you after school.”

Bolade smiled back. “Sure.”

The hitherto boring and slow day now seemed to move so fast. Bolade hardly heard anything any teacher said. He was confused. He had mixed feelings. Funke had just given him a lot to think about.

Bolade shook his head, as he stared blankly at the scribbling of the Mathematics teacher. Maths, Bolade’s best subject, had started looking and sounding like Spanish to him. He remembered promising his mother that he was going to improve his grades. He knew he had to but he couldn’t get his thoughts straight. For over a month, he had been unable to get Salewa off his mind. And now he was having to add Funke to his list.

Funke had always been a smart girl; the best female student in his class but she was not in any way like Salewa. Physically, she was both big and tall, that is, tall for a girl. She wore glasses and always looked bookish. Funke was quiet, tending more towards shy. The only time her voice was usually heard was when there was a question to answer in class; she almost always had the answers.

Funke likes me. Bolade wanted to laugh. In retrospect, he remembered how he had seen her as competition after their first term together. And that was what she still was; academic competition. Seeing her in another light was totally absurd. Bolade couldn’t even imagine.

Impulsively, Bolade turned sideways, wanting to see what Funke looked like again, to help his head process the confusing thoughts better. And there she was. Bolade just stared and analyzed. Funke was on low cut, as she had been since he knew her. She was totally engrossed in what the teacher was saying. Bolade noticed how composed she looked.

Bolade averted his eyes for a moment and looked at his notebook. He knew he would be in some trouble if the teacher came anywhere near him. He had a lot of catching up to do as regards copying his notes.

Bolade couldn’t help looking back at Funke. This time, she was looking at him too. He looked away, embarrassed. He didn’t find Funke attractive or even intriguing at the moment, but there was always something tickling about knowing that somebody liked you. Salewa had been his first. Now, knowing that another girl liked him made Bolade feel good about himself.

Just as Bolade was about imagining what their conversation would be like after school, the bell sounded. Bolade was surprised to notice his heart was beating a little faster. The only reason he could pin to it was apprehension. Bolade, relax. It is just going to be a friendly talk. Be in control. Remember Mr. Raymond’s advice that helped you with Salewa. Use it again.

With that resolve, Bolade made to pack his bag. He started putting his books together but stopped short when he saw something from the side of this eye. He turned to see better.

Bolade couldn’t believe his eyes. Worse was, he couldn’t believe he was actually feeling jealous. Supo was talking to Funke. After Victor mysteriously left Hilltop College, Supo made himself the new don in the school. A brief stab of guilt hit Bolade as he momentarily remembered Victor, his bestfriend.

Since the day he left school, nobody had heard anything about him. Bolade had been too caught up in his loss of Salewa, that he hadn’t even grieved his loss of Victor. Bolade wondered where Victor was. Victor’s parents had threatened to sue the school but Bolade heard they changed their minds. Rumour had it that they wanted to avoid the publicity it would bring. Victor’s parents hired a private firm to look for him. Bolade missed his friend.

Funke laughed. Her laughter brought Bolade’s mind to the present. Supo was sitting on Funke’s table and was saying something that was tickling the girl’s fancy.

Bolade cautioned himself, reminding himself that Funke had a right to laugh if something she heard was funny. He decided to wait a few minutes, sure Supo would soon be done. Bolade used the opportunity to look back at the board and scribble a few things in his note, reducing how much writing he would need to do later.

Ten minutes passed and they were still talking. The last two students to leave the class had been Supo’s friends and he had waved them off, telling them he would see them tomorrow. That meant Supo was in no hurry. That was Supo, what of Funke? Bolade looked at the girl and she seemed in no hurry either.

Bolade was feeling stupid. Did we agree to talk after school or was I daydreaming that too? Bolade decided to do something to get her attention in case she had forgotten. He pushed his chair backwards, intentionally making it drag, noisily slapped his books on top of one another as he stacked them before putting them into his bag. He glanced at them again but they didn’t act like he existed.

Bolade carried his bag and started walking towards the door. He looked back one more time. Then, she looked. Bolade was about smiling, glad she had noticed him and would excuse herself, apologize for delaying him, and they would have their promised talk. But that wasn’t to happen.

Funke looked away immediately, just as if she saw no one at the door. Bolade was trying to shake off the feelings stirring up in him until the last straw dropped on this camel’s back. Funke smiled at Supo. It was the same sheepish smile she had given Bolade during short break; just that this lasted a little longer.

Bolade felt like dying. He bowed his head and walked out of the class, silently hoping that Funke would call out after him. But she didn’t. And it was at that point that Bolade finally knew that nobody wanted him. He was not good enough for any girl.

Salewa had walked out on him. Now, Funke had just humiliated him. Unbidden, tears trickled down his face as he walked out the gates of Hilltop College. He knew God loved him but he needed human affirmation, other than his mother’s. Would any girl ever love me?

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His heart dropped as he saw the figure standing beside him. This is not the person I want to see. Bolade was disheartened.

“Hello Bolade.”

Bolade wished she would just leave. He didn’t even have the energy, after the disappointment, to say anything to her. He gave her a weak smile. Bolade saw a look on her face that baffled him. It was like she understood why his smile had just changed from an excited one to a weak one. Did she know what he was thinking?

“You miss her?” Funke said, without warning.

Bolade was taken aback but he couldn’t act like all was well. He was drained and maybe talking with this girl would help, so he decided to talk. “I do.”

Funke nodded. “I have seen you withdrawn and distracted for weeks. I had wanted to reach out for a while but didn’t know what to do or how to do. Today, I saw you look depressed again and decided to make the move.”

“Thanks.”

“Bolade, there are many people looking up to you whether you believe it or not. There are many students in this school who care deeply about you. We are not happy when you are not happy.”

Bolade was looking at her mouth as she was speaking. No one had ever said that to him before. It made him wonder if she was talking about people or talking about herself. Bolade didn’t have to think so long.

Funke’s faced became a little serious. “Bolade, I like you. I always have.”

Bolade winced. Not again!

…to be continued!

*Note: I know this continuation seems really “slow”…please bear with me. I’m still very busy with other responsibilities but trying to keep up with my promise of posting daily (except Sundays)…I hope to post something very LONG soon. The Veil continues on Monday. Thanks. Your comments are appreciated!

Raymond smiled. Maybe what she was going to tell him wasn’t going to be so terrible or heart breaking. This was going to be Tinu’s first time in his house. As the man, he had been careful not to suggest a visit in his house. He wanted it to come from her and now, it had. He was very pleased.

“I am delighted”, Ray told Tinu.

“I am glad you are. We’ll see on Saturday.”

“And we’ll talk before then”, Raymond said, matter of fact.

“Sure. Bye Ray.”

“Bye Tinu”, Raymond said and replaced the receiver. He stood and walked to his window. He drew the curtains and looked out. It was time to take a break from work and do some daydreaming. He pictured Tinu walking into his house on Saturday in all of her beauty and sway. He smiled and allowed his mind create the world he longed for with his childhood sweetheart.

****************************

The day was crawling and nothing about it so far had been anything to write home about. The teachers so far had made it a duty to be boring. Bolade was frustrated. It was short break and the only thing he could do was place his head on his table. He wanted to sleep off the boredom.

He wished it was Friday; would be easier to cope if he knew he wouldn’t be in school the next day but it was Thursday and he had to show up the next day. Bolade closed his eyes and attempted a brief snooze but he could not sleep. He kept seeing Salewa whenever he closed his eyes. Bolade smiled. With his eyes closed, he could still picture her as clearly as if she was with him.

He missed her. They had just been friends for a couple of days but it was like their friendship had been divinely scripted; they had bonded so fast. Now, in the wake of his loss, Bolade could only wish and hope she would re-appear in his life soon.

Bolade was recalling his last time with Salewa, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He hoped it was a mistake and the person would leave but the hand stayed. He paused his thoughts and tried to register the feel. The hand felt light against his shirt. He knew it was a female. His heart soared. Everything in him knew it was Salewa. She had finally returned. Bolade couldn’t contain his joy. He smiled before opening his eyes and he lifted his head.

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Salewa smiled. Even though she was still some distance away, Bolade could see the smile. She was beautiful, as always. As she approached him, his heart beat faster and his joy soared. He had waited for this moment for many years. Salewa was going to be his bride in a few minutes.

Close enough for her to read his lips; he mouthed those three words again. Salewa tripped. Bolade was by her side in a heart’s beat. Trying to be sure she wasn’t hurt, he looked at her. It was then he saw it. He looked into her eyes. It was as real as his own hands that held her. She loved him eternally.

She smiled at him. “I love you too Bolade”, she mouthed in return.

Bolade heaved in relief. His bride wasn’t hurt. He helped her to her feet as the Chief Bride’s Maid helped straighten her gown.

Arm in arm, Bolade led her the remaining for steps to the altar. Raymond Somile was the pastor and he had the broadest smile in the world. Ray faced the groom and prepared to lead him in his vows.

“Please repeat after me”, he said to Bolade who simply nodded.

“I, Bolade…” the voice seemed to fade.

“Bolade!” the new voice sounded different. It was a woman’s. Bolade smiled and turned, expecting to see his bride only to look into a quizzical face.

“Oh, not you!”

Miss T Benson laughed. “You were definitely having a pleasant sleep. I walked into your room and saw you smiling. Your lips were even moving but I couldn’t hear what you were saying.”

Tinu patted him on his arm as she sat on his bed. “You guys will reconnect someday.”

“I believe so. It just seems so weird. It’s been one whole month mum and I haven’t heard a single word from her. It’s very hard not to worry.”

“I understand. I suffered same with Raymond.”

Bolade nodded, a sad smile spreading across his face.

“Like mother like son ehn?”

“You said that not me”, Bolade said, matter of fact.

“Relax son”, Tinu said, reaching out to tickle her son.

Bolade shifted on the bed, giggling. “Oh mum! No tickling today.”

“Not until you promise me you will stop worrying”, she said, not relenting on her efforts to tickle him.

“Ok. I promise.”

Tinu Benson straightened up, a relieved smile on her face. Bolade couldn’t blame her. He had caused her so much anxiety in past one month. He hardly ate, and automatically had lost weight significantly. He hardly spoke with her either and he knew that was worse torture for his mum.

Remembering all he had put her through, he smiled at her. “Thanks for being there for me mum.”

“That’s my life’s job son.”

“I’m glad. I will make it up to you.” Bolade said, beaming.

“How?”

“I’ll start eating well and I’ll make sure my grades pick up.”

Tinu Benson raised her eye brow and Bolade understood too well. He hadn’t mentioned to her that his scores had been low in the past four weeks.

Bolade made an apologetic face. “I know mum. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. My bad. But like I said, I will make it up to you.”

“You had better do. You know how much I pay to…”

“I know”, Bolade cut in. “You don’t have to say. Wait until the term is over to conclude if I am taking you for granted.”

“Whatever!”

Bolade smiled. His mother sounded like a teenager.

“Just get up and start your day.” Tinu Benson stood to leave.

“You’re not going anywhere mum.”

She turned to face him. “And why is that?”

“Because I need you to smile before you leave my room.”

Tinu frowned. “Have you given me a reason to smile?”

“Should I?” Bolade said and started cracking his knuckles as he made to stand.

Tinu giggled and hurried for the door.

Bolade laughed. His mother knew what was next. If she didn’t go, he would do the tickling this time and she knew he wouldn’t stop until she peed on herself. By the time he was on his feet, she was already out the door.

“I love you mum!” Bolade called after her.

“I love you too” he heard her say.

Bolade stretched again and made ready to use the bathroom. He didn’t understand why Salewa walked out of his life without a trace but he knew he couldn’t continue like this. He had mourned her absence for a whole month. He knew she wasn’t dead but he still wondered at the silence.

He decided he would trust God to take care of her. He had his WAEC to face and he had his mother to please. Salewa was in God’s hands. With that, Bolade wrapped his towel around his waist and braced up to face the day. Whatever the future had in store, he would be ready.

*************************

Raymond Somile made notes as he sat at his home office. He could not make too much sense of what he was writing. He was worried. Tinu had been a little distant in the past weeks. He understood she was worried about Bolade but he couldn’t shake off the fear that was gnawing at his heart.

Tinu’s life for almost two decades had revolved around her son. But she was going to be his wife soon. He feared she wouldn’t be able to leave and cleave as the scriptures prescribed for couples. The past weeks had only strengthened his fears.

Almost every time he had called her lately, she sounded tired. And whenever he asked what the matter was, her only response was, ‘I am worried about Bolade’.

Father, I want to be there for Tinu. I love her and her pain is my pain but I also exist. She needs to be concerned about me. This is hurting me Lord. Was I right in asking Tinu to marry me or was I jumping ahead of myself?

Raymond placed his head in his hands and sighed. Just then his phone rang. He didn’t allow it ring a second time. He hoped it was Tinu. He had spoken with her in the morning but he was missing her already.

“Sweetheart!”

That word melted Raymond’s heart. He thought he would choke on the joy that filled his heart. But he sensed something was wrong. Her voice was subdued.

“Yes love! I have missed you. Is something wrong?”

“Raymond, I have something to tell you that I did not know until today. It is serious and could affect us”, Tinu said on the other end.

Raymond sank in his chair, receiver still by his ear. He shut his eyes tight and waited, nerves on edge.